CHRISTMAS WISHES BY PASTOR WILSON LIM

A few weeks ago, Lai Ling and I ministered in Germany. Things are happening in Europe and in particular our house churches are simply multiplying in Germany and surrounds. I was told we have some 130 house churches now. We ministered at our European Leaders Conference at Berlin with almost 250 delegates. It was an exciting time to see the excitement and the hunger to learn amongst the delegates. God moved wonderfully and many were blessed in the conference. 

We also ministered in different regions in Germany where our key house churches were based such as Berlin, Voigtland, Stuttgart and Essen. We had wonderful times of sharing and fellowship with many of the leaders and members in these regions. I was very touched by the hearts, the humility and dedication of our German house leaders. There are many challenges but they are persevering and seeing breakthroughs in various ways. What a blessing to be in the same family together.

We were also called upon to minister prophetically in every region. As this is Lai Ling’s area of strength, I was the little assistant. We basically prophesied over every person in attendance at various meetings in each region. It was stretching for me, as I had never done such an intense prophetic ministry before. But by God’s grace, God used us to bring many penetrating and discerning words to encourage, unfold and even adjust many. We also had an opportunity to experience the German Christmas season and even the snow. We were freezing as it went below zero to as low as minus 6 degrees. Yet the Germans told us it has been a mild winter thus far. Normally, it goes down to minus 20 degrees.

We discovered that there are many German Christmas traditions, including the delightful Christmas markets which we saw in a number of cities. In Stuttgart we walked through its renowned Christmas market and marvelled at the elaborate decorations, novelty stores, interesting Christmas ornaments and tasted various German food. We even came across one metre long German sausages.

Christmas in Germany is full of tradition. Sadly, it is largely that for most Germans. Most Germans no longer go to church and are in fact disillusioned by its lack of power and purpose. They see it as little more than some archaic religion of little relevance to modern society. We found many who have left their churches because they have felt simply dissatisfied. Hence, it was gratifying to see our German churches are breaking past this reluctance and demonstrating a church that is innovative and radically authentic. It is winning many souls to Christ and drawing back disillusioned believers.

Hence, it was a privilege for us to minister there and to leave a spiritual deposit. There are many opportunities for the Gospel to break through in Germany and even in surrounding countries. Do pray with us for even greater breakthroughs in Europe.

At the same time, let us seek to keep our fire for the Lord burning bright here and seek to make a radical difference wherever we are. Let Christmas be all about Christ.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas,

Pastor Wilson Lim